Author: Irving Babbitt [1865–1933] was an American academic and literary critic, noted for his founding role in a movement that became known as the New Humanism, a significant influence on literary discussion and conservative thought in the period 1910 to 1930. At Harvard as professor of French literature from 1912 until his death, he was a vigorous critic of romanticism, deprecating especially the influence of Jean-Jacques Rousseau on modern thought and art.

He and Paul Elmer More initiated a movement, called New Humanism, that advocated a forceful doctrine of moderation and restraint, looking to classical traditions and literature for inspiration. He was a cultural critic in the tradition of Matthew Arnold, and a consistent opponent of romanticism, as represented by the writings of Rousseau. Politically he can without serious distortion be called a follower of Plato and Edmund Burke. His humanism implied a broad knowledge of various religious traditions.

His works include Literature and the American College (1908), The New Laokoön (1910), The Masters of Modern French Criticism (1912), and On Being Creative (1932).

Publisher: Classics of Liberty Library, Gryphon Editions (c. 2003) Facsimile of 1924 edition – Original Works on Freedom

Format/Condition: New quarter-leather book is in fine condition. 349 pages including index. Measures approx 51/2 × 8”

Description: In this book, Babbitt applies his theories of the New Humanism to political and social issues, characterizing historical eras as naturalistic, religious, or humanistic, with the first two leading to imperialism and tyranny, and the last to democracy.

This beautiful volume has the hallmarks of the best of the bookbinder’s craft and contains the classic trimmings. Gryphon is the leading publisher of the classic works of Law, Medicine, Science and Political thought. The volumes are exact facsimiles of the original classic works.